Join us at this hidden gem of mountain biking just outside of Johnstown, PA. Riders will be treated to some fun singletrack built and maintained by LHORBA and there will be plenty of spectating opportunities at this venue. Home to Johnstown BMX, this park has welcomed two-wheeled competitors for many years and we’re excited to bring PICL back to Highland Park.
The weekend events include racing technical singletrack on the tights, twisties, rocks, roots, and logs of Highland Park. We’ll also be adventuring on-site or off, while exploring local history and plentiful bike-friendly opportunities in Johnstown and surrounding communities. With limited camping on-site and a host of hotels and campgrounds close by, make a weekend out of it and join us in Johnstown!
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GRiT Glow Down
Let's put the spotlight on GRiT's last event! For the grande finale at the Johnstown Showdown, we are holding a glow party and ride on Saturday, October 12. Starting at 6:00 pm, groups will be sent out on a glowing night ride or modified walk filled with riddles, treats, and fun! So bring your lights and your friends as we shine our way through the trails!
Group Up!This activity aims to bring all of the PICL community together for one last hurrah! We ask groups to pick a coach, a fun name, and have the number of riders (maximum 10, minimum 3) in each group. To avoid any on trail back up, each group must be prepared ahead of time and register their groups at the GRIT tent before 5:30pm. At 6:00 pm, teams will get checked in and sent out on the course by a GRiT member (wearing Hawaiian!)
For this event, EVERY RIDER MUST BRING A BIKE LIGHT!
*Remember: NICA rules require a coach to rider ratio of 1 to 6 or 2 to 8*
A modified course, not on the trails, will be set up for those who would prefer to walk. This way, everyone still has access to the checkpoints, glow party and the fun!
What To Expect:As riders wind through the woods, the groups will stop at each designated checkpoint. Here, they will be given a riddle or rebus which they will work together to solve. They will then tell their answer to a checkpoint representative and if correct, they will receive glow prizes, snacks, and, most importantly, a letter. The letters from each checkpoint will be unscrambled to form the password for the glow party at the end. (Hint: Letters can be typed on a phone in the notes app to make unscrambling easier.)
If time allows, extra puzzles and riddles of more difficult skill levels will be given for extra prizes.
Sponsor a Checkpoint:Like the last Fair Hill Rally, teams will be able to sponsor one of the 6 checkpoints. Pick a theme, and bring decorations, snacks and music! At each checkpoint, representatives will be given riddles and rebuses along with the answers to divide amongst the riding groups. They are tasked with distributing glow prizes, and snacks for correct answers, as well as offering hints to the puzzles when needed.
Sign up on the Sign Up Genius link to sponsor a spot. These are first come first served and no repeating themes!
Bring The Fuel!For the end of ride party, we need some volunteers to bring cookies, drinks, chips, and coolers with ice. To help out, please sign up on the Sign Up Genius link.
The Grand Finale!At the end of the ride when the correct password is stated, participants will enter the glow party! There will be cookies, drinks, candy, lights, and dancing! DJ Blake will be keeping the party alive with all the best songs while taking your own song recommendations. This party will end at approximately 8:30 pm.
Grab your friends and come join us in wrapping up the season with the Johnstown Glow Down!
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Johnstown BMX will be opening their track for PICL student-athletes on Saturday 12 - 6 pm and Sunday 10 - 4 pm.
There is no fee.
The gates will not be running.
There will be no track supervision.
BMX race bikes preferred. Stop in at the Concession Stand for loaner bikes.
Full face helmets strongly encouraged. A few full face helmets will be available to borrow from the Concession Stand.
The Johnstown BMX track is NOT part of PICL activities for the weekend and any injuries that may occur as a result of riding the BMX track are not covered by PICL/NICA insurance. Riding on the track is at your own risk and the parents/guardians of riders assume the risk and responsibility for their riders.
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Schedules are tentative and subject to change.
Staging occurs 15 minutes before the start of each race.
Saturday
11:00 AM Adventure Open
12:00 PM Pre-ride Open
12:00 PM Merch Store Open
2:00 PM Last Call for Adventure
3:30 PM Last Call for Pre-ride
4:00 PM Pre-ride & Adventure Closed
4:00 PM Merch Store Closed
4:15 PM Short Track: Novice
4:35 PM Short Track: Intermediate
4:55 PM Short Track: Advanced
5:45 PM GRiT Glow Down
8:30 PM Glow Party Wrap Up
Sunday
7:00 AM Pre-Ride Open**
7:30 AM Last Call for Pre-ride Start
7:30 AM HC/TD Mtg at PICL trailer^
8:00 AM Pre-Ride Closed & All Riders Off Course
8:00 AM Merch Store Open
8:15 AM Staging V & JV1 Boys
8:30 AM Racing Begins
9:35 AM Staging JV2 Boys
10:40 AM Staging JV3 Boys
11:50 AM Staging V, JV1, JV2, & JV3 Girls & HS Fun Lap
1:15 PM Staging MS Adv & 8th, 7th & 6th Grade Girls & MS Fun Lap
2:10 PM Staging MS Adv & 8th Grade Boys
3:00 PM Staging 7th Grade Boys
3:30 PM Staging 6th Grade Boy
4:30 PM Racing Concludes
5:00 PM Merch Store Closed
5:00 PM Awards
^Each team must have a HC/TD/Delegate present.
**Riders/coaches on course during pre-ride must have their number/coach plate affixed to their bike. Ride groups are expected to maintain NICA ratio guidelines. Riders may not pre-ride alone. Pre-rides are for course preview, only, and should be ridden at a responsible pace.
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Online registration closes the Tuesday before the event at 8:00 PM. No day of registration.
In order to participate in this race/adventure ride, students must be fully registered in NICA Pit Zone - the parent dashboard profile will show a GREEN check mark and it will say “Registered” under THIS specific race/adventure ride in Pit Zone.
DO NOT check-in at the Information tent. Riders will get race plates from their Head Coach/Team Director prior to their first event.
DO NOT LOSE YOUR RACE PLATE! You will use this for ALL events. There is a $10 fee to replace plates if lost or forgotten. Replacements are available at the Information tent.If you have not been invited to register yet in the NICA Pit Zone, please contact your Head Coach/Team Director. Independent riders, please contact PICL Registration at registration@pamtb.org. For questions regarding the NICA Pit Zone, please contact NICA’s Registration Services at registration@nationalmtb.org.
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MS Course (1st half) / MS Course (2nd half)
*Teams electing to pre-ride PICL courses prior to event weekend are subject to venue day use/parking fees and are expected to get permission from land landowners/managers prior to arrival. As always, please use care while riding private and public trails as our representation of PICL greatly impacts relationships with PICL venues and their park/trail users.
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Park in designated areas, only, per Infield map. Follow directions of all on-site parking volunteers, staff and signs. Handicap parking is available - please see Infield map for details.
Please be respectful of all parking volunteers and staff. Inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated and will result in immediate expulsion from the event.
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Pit Zone Unloading/Loading is open only to Pit Zone Access Pass holders and can only be utilized during these times:
Saturday 10:30 AM - 2:30 PM
Sunday 7:00 - 8:00 AM
• NO parking in the Pit Zone.
• NO bike riding in Pit Zone - WALK your bike.
• NO grilling, smoking, fires, alcohol, gas generators, or dogs unless clearly marked service dogs in Pit Zone.
• Conflicts and/or disputes should NOT be dealt within the team Pit Zone area.
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Volunteering is one of the best ways to get involved on event weekends. Stay close to the action while helping to ensure the event is a success. Positions are available throughout the event. There’s a spot for everyone!
VOLUNTEER SIGN UP LINK IS HERE!
Once you’re signed up, fill out the volunteer waiver, so you’re ready to roll upon arrival.
Not sure which position is right for you? Check out the descriptions and training videos, HERE.
Still have questions? Email PICL Volunteering at volunteer@pamtb.org.
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Saturday
Adventure Course: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Skills Area: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
Adventure Course: Closed
Skills Area: 8:30 AM - 2:00 PM
On site this weekend you’ll find plenty of adventuring on the technical trails surrounding the Johnstown Showdown PICL course. Also, be sure to check out “Local Fun” for plenty of other bike-friendly activities in Johnstown and the surrounding communities.
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Johnstown BMX Concession - Saturday 12 - 6 pm & Sunday 10 am - 4 pm
Walkin' Tacos $5
Pizza Burgers $5
Chicken Strips $5 (Ranch, honey mustard, hot sauce)
Fries $4
Hot Dog $2
Nachos and Cheese $3
Chili sauce $1
Cheese sauce $1
Sports Water Bottles $2
Gatorade $2
Body Armor $2
Sunday
Earth, Wheel and Fire - wood fired pizza
Sweets for the Street - ice cream
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Take advantage of bike-friendly activities all around Johnstown, such as the Quehanna Reservoir Trail, Que Trail, Inclined Plane Trails, and the 9/11 Trail. If you prefer getting off the beaten path, head over to the Abandoned PA Turnpike, but be sure to bring along a headlamp or flashlight. This website has excellent descriptions of where to park and how to access.
If you’re looking to explore local history, check out Flight 93 National Memorial and visit the Johnstown Flood Museum, which tells the story of one of the deadliest natural disasters in US history.
Johnstown and the surrounding communities also offer many different options for places to eat and drink!
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Camping on-site is always a highlight of our event at Johnstown. Johnstown. Camping is booked through our league through BikeReg here.
Johnstown and the surrounding communities offer many other options for overnight accommodations including campgrounds and cabins, air BnBs, regular old BnBs, and hotels.
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It is your responsibility to understand rules related to the venue, event, and NICA competitions.
Penalties will be assessed to individuals and teams for breaking/disregarding rules at NICA events. Penalties can include, but are not limited to, loss of individual points, loss of team points, time penalties, and event expulsion. Please read and understand the General Event and Venue Rules (below), as well as the PA Handbook.
Inappropriate behavior is not tolerated toward any volunteer, staff member, or other community member. Such behavior results in immediate expulsion from the event.
General Event and Venue Rules• Garbage - PICL has reserved an on-site dumpster for this event. YOU are responsible for getting your refuse into PICL’s on-site dumpster before leaving the venue.
• Staging is for riders and coaches, ONLY. Parents can head to the start, finish, and fan zones!
• Grill only in designated areas.
• NO dogs in the Infield or Pit Zone unless clearly marked service dogs. Leashed dogs are permitted at this venue.
• NO inappropriate language.
• For Drone Policy, see Rule 4.14 in the PA Handbook.
Camping
For PICL events being held at established campgrounds, please follow all campground rules regarding check-in, check-out, quiet hours, etc. which are set and enforced by the campground staff.
For PICL events that offer camping at the venue via a partnership with the venue hosts, the following rules apply:
• You MUST pre-register.• Camping is on your own/at your own risk.
• Camping is ONLY family camping - riders MUST camp with parents.
• Quiet time is 9 PM to 7 AM.
• NO gas generators overnight.
Pre-Ride
• DO NOT pre-ride on event weekends outside of designated pre-ride times on event schedule.• Yield to event staff at all times.
• All coaches and riders MUST be fully “practice ready” in Pit Zone AND have their number/coach plate affixed to their bike. No unregistered riders are allowed on the course during designated pre-ride times.
• Pre-riding in the days and weeks leading up to the even weekend is permitted. If the course is on private property, please obtain permission from the land manager/owner beforehand.
NICA and PICL Reminders
Event details are subject to change. Please check back often for the most current information.PICL reserves the right to modify or cancel events should it be deemed necessary to do so. The league will notify event attendees via email and social media should modifications be required. Please make sure that you are receiving these communications; see FAQs for more information.
Safety
Incident reports are mandatory whenever a student-athlete or coach is injured during a NICA activity if any of the following occurs:
• Medical care is received
• Time lost from work or school
• Time lost from practice beyond day of event
NICA Insurance coverage is for registered student-athletes and registered coaches injured while participating in sanctioned PICL/NICA event activities. Please see the FAQs for more information. -
This EAP form and its contents are intended for use ONLY by trained NICA Coaches and Event Staff for the purpose of holding NICA Activities and Events. This EAP form is intended to be shared only by a NICA Licensed Coach and Staff Member via a NICA official communication or webpage. If you have not received these materials directly from NICA, NICA does not warrant, either expressly or impliedly, the accuracy, timelessness, or appropriateness of the information contained in these materials and, further, NICA disclaims any responsibility for content errors, omissions, or infringing material and disclaims any responsibility associated with relying on the information provided in these materials.